New York - The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board is proud to announce that it welcomed the highly regarded Sports Illustrated (SI) Swimsuit issue team to Puerto Vallarta for its 2019 photo shoot. This year's edition hit news stands nationwide on Wednesday.

SI producers, crew and talent headed to Puerto Vallarta March 1-6 to showcase the destination and some of the most talked-about women in sports across SI's print and digital platforms. One of the most iconic brands in the publishing world, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue will bring Puerto Vallarta and its tourism offering to the attention of more than 70 million consumers.

After a long day of location scouting and months of pre-production work with the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board, the SI Swimsuit team selected the unique setting of famed Las Caletas beach as the backdrop of their session in the destination.

The team spent 4 days photographing USA Gymnastics athlete Simone Biles, UFC fighter Paige Vanzant and US Ski Team member Lindsey Vonn in the varied landscapes of the Sierra Madre Mountains and Bay of Banderas found in the cove, which is managed by local activities and attractions purveyor Vallarta Adventures.

Puerto Vallarta is reasserting its position as an international 'It' destination, not only for its natural offering but because of all the activities there are to do in this city," said Javier Aranda Pedrero, Director of the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board. "It is important for us to work with outlets such as Sports Illustrated as it enhances our reach and positioning of what is new and trendy in Puerto Vallarta."

The May 8 release of the 2019 SI Swimsuit issue will be followed by a weekend of launch events in Miami to celebrate the models and crew who played a role in this year's edition. Puerto Vallarta will be featured in extensive photo and video content across SI's online and social platforms, further driving awareness around the destination.

"Enjoying Puerto Vallarta is effortless with boundless experiences at your fingertips," says SI Swim Executive Editor MJ Day.

About Sports Illustrated Swimsuit
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit reaches more than 70 million U.S. adults annually and more men ages 18 to 34 than the Super Bowl. The iconic brand spans 20 product extensions, along with a vibrant experiential marketing business. Since debuting in 1964, Swimsuit has become a pop culture phenomenon and a revered launching pad for successful careers in TV, fashion, business and film. The fashion industry describes SI Swimsuit as the "Oscars of Swimwear," as an appearance in the issue is a crowning achievement.